Occupancy based lighting control technology and its application thereof

ABSTRACT

This disclosure relates to a method of detecting an occupancy state of a living space for controlling lighting apparatus. The method comprises using a motion sensor to send wave signal and detect echoed signal reflected from a moving human body and using a control circuitry operated with a software program to analyze the echoed signal for establishing a numerical value account. In referring to preset parameters, the software program judges the echoed signal by analyzing time duration and frequency pattern of the echoed signal as an incoming motion, an outgoing motion or a local random motion, such that the numerical value account is accordingly updated to represent actual occupant number for activating the controller circuitry to turn on or turn off the lighting apparatus.

This Application is a continuation application of prior application Ser.No. 15/709,589 filed on Sep. 20, 2017, the entire contents of which areincorporated herein by reference. The application Ser. No. 15/709,589 isa continuation in part application of prior application Ser. No.15/451,519 filed on Mar. 7, 2017, which issued as U.S. Pat. No.9,799,184. The Application Ser. No. 15/451,519 is a continuationapplication of prior application Ser. No. 14/622,787 filed on Feb. 13,2015, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,626,852.

BACKGROUND 1. Technical Field

The present invention generally relates to a motion sensor technologyusing wave characteristics of either a microwave or an ultrasonic wavecoupled with an application of Doppler Effect for sensing a human motionintrusion and detecting an occupancy state of a living space to controla turned on state or a turned off state of a lighting apparatus such asa LED lamp or any electrical appliances in home automation. In thefollowing, the phrase of “motion sensor” shall mean either microwavemotion sensor or ultrasonic motion sensor.

2. Description of Related Art

The detection zone of a passive infrared ray (PIR) sensor disposed in asecurity light fixture for instance is defined and limited by the anglecoverage of its detection lens. Once the detection lens is designed andconstructed the space coverage of its detection zone is pretty muchdefined and the only thing adjustable is just the angle of detectionlens and consequently the direction of the detection zone. If a muchwider detection coverage is required, for instance 270 degree or even360 degree horizontal space, two or three PIRs need to be integrated.Additionally if vertical space needs detection then additional PIR (3rdor 4th PIR) may need to be considered. The need to install the detectionlens outside of the security light fixture also limits the capacity ofartistic design of the lighting arts.

On the other hand, the microwave motion sensor could detect motionsignals coming from all different directions without being disrupted byany non-metallic obstacles such as wall, buildings, tree, etc. Thepenetration makes it possible to install and hide the microwave motionsensor inside the glass or plastic diffuser to improve the artisticdesign of the lighting arts. The omnidirectional detecting capacitymakes the microwave motion sensor a more useful detection device undercertain conditions.

However, the high penetration and the spreading capacity of microwavesignal are actually untamable when it comes to home lightingapplication. While the microwave detection method has dual advantages interms of being able to hide the microwave motion sensor inside thelighting fixture and its detecting capacity is unrestricted by directionor angle of intruding motion. The high penetrating and spreadingcapacity could easily cause problems for the users in that the light maybe unexpectedly activated by the body motion in the next door orneighboring rooms.

Please refer to FIG. 1A, which schematically illustrates a prior artillumination apparatus 9 with a microwave motion sensor 90. The priorart illumination apparatus 9 is composed of a microwave motion sensor90, an illumination module 92, a mounting module 94 and a light diffuser96. The prior art microwave motion sensor 90 is composed of a circuitassembly which emits microwave signals and receives echoed microwavesignals returning from any moving object(s) in a three dimensional (3D)spherical detection zone. The radius of such three dimensional sphericaldetection zone is determined by the power level set for the wholecircuit assembly.

However, the microwave signal is able to penetrate through anynon-metallic barriers, the prior art microwave motion sensor 90 maydetect the motions occurring in the neighborhood such as next doors,upstairs or downstairs and consequently the illumination module 92 isunexpectedly turned on. The dotted lines as shown in FIG. 1B representthe detection zone of a 3 dimension spherical space that the microwavesensing unit 90 is able to detect and activate the lighting device toturn on. The wall or ceiling penetration effect is an obvious problem.Although it could be managed to reduce the power of the microwavesignals so that the radius of the 3D spherical detection zone isconfined to a smaller spherical space to avoid the wall penetrationproblem. However, it will limit the application of such microwave motionsensor 90.

In addition, please refer to FIGS. 1C, 1D and 1E, U.S. Pat. No.8,169,356 B2 disclosed a method and apparatus using microwave motionsensors having a reflector 40 for enhanced lookdown ability; the priorart was invented for improving the lookdown detection capacity for asecurity alarm system. The reflector 40 of said prior art was designedto be positioned far above the microwave radiating elements 30 of themicrowave motion sensor therefore the reflector 40 is merely inventedfor enhancing the lookdown ability to detect the motion intrusion in thelookdown area under the reflector 40. The reflector 40 with a curvedshape so designed has no control over the microwave signal transmittingto all other directions except the conic sheltered area SA above thereflector 40.

The distance or the relative position between the bottom piece ofmicrowave radiating elements 30 and the reflector 40 determines thescope of conic sheltered area SA. The sheltered area SA is the crossline space of FIG. 1C above the reflector 40, wherein the microwavesignal is banned for detection. In other words, the prior art is an openspace detecting device that can detect any motion intrusion from alldirections except the limited upper zone sheltered by the reflector 40.As shown in FIGS. 1D and 1E which is cited from the FIG. 1C of the priorart, U.S. Pat. No. 8,169,356 B2, the lowest position of the microwaveradiating elements 30 determines the scope of the sheltered area SA (ascross line area in FIG. 1C) above the reflector 40.

The prior art security alarm device with microwave motion sensors isable to detect any motion intrusion occurred in the open space outsidethe sheltered area SA. In other words, when the security alarm device isused for outdoor application, a bird flying across the upper spaceoutside of the sheltered area SA or a motion from adjacent neighbor mayeasily trigger the microwave motion sensor to activate the securityalarm. Furthermore, when the said security alarm device is applied forindoor application, a motion from next door or upper/lower floor mayalso trigger the microwave motion sensor to unexpectedly activate thesecurity alarm. In either case, the non-managed microwave detectioncapacity could create more embarrassment than necessary. It might be theintention of the prior art to use the reflector 40 to enhance thedownward microwave signal while using lower level power microwaveradiation to reduce the detection range for non-downward space so as toavoid the embarrassment of unnecessary triggering.

SUMMARY

It is one object of the present invention to provide an illuminationapparatus with a microwave motion sensor for use in motion detection,intrusion detection or occupancy detection so as to enhance theconvenience of the illumination apparatus.

To achieve the foregoing object, the present invention provides amicrowave motion sensor having a circuit assembly for intrusiondetection in a predetermined space. The microwave motion sensorcomprises a control unit, a microwave sensing unit and a microwaveconfining unit. The microwave sensing unit, for transmitting andreceiving a microwave signal, is coupled to the control unit. Themicrowave confining unit, for managing a detection zone of the microwavesignal, has an accommodating space formed inside the microwave confiningunit, and the microwave sensing unit being disposed inside theaccommodating space. Wherein the circuit assembly is divided into thecontrol unit and the microwave sensing unit, the scope of the detectionzone of the microwave signal varies based on the shape or constructionof the microwave confining unit and the relative position between themicrowave sensing unit and the microwave confining unit.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides an illuminationapparatus with a microwave motion sensor, for intrusion detection in apredetermined space. The illumination apparatus with a microwave motionsensor comprises a control unit, a microwave sensing unit, a microwaveconfining unit and an illumination module. The microwave sensing unit,for transmitting and receiving a microwave signal, is coupled to thecontrol unit. The microwave confining unit, for managing a detectionzone of the microwave signal, has an accommodating space formed insidethe microwave confining unit, and the microwave sensing unit beingdisposed inside the accommodating space. The illumination module iscoupled to the control unit. Wherein the circuit assembly is dividedinto the control unit and the microwave sensing unit, the scope of thedetection zone of the microwave signal varies based on the shape orconstruction of the microwave confining unit and the relative positionbetween the microwave sensing unit and the microwave confining unit.

Furthermore, there are two main techniques which have been used formotion detection for activating load(s); the first one is passiveinfrared ray (PIR) sensing technique and the second one is microwave(MW) sensing technique. Each of these two techniques has its own meritsand shortcomings. Because of the untamable wall penetration effect thatoften causes embarrassment of unexpected activation of load(s), themicrowave motion sensors are not as popularly used as the passiveinfrared ray motion sensor.

The objective of the present invention is to improve the performance ofmicrowave motion sensor such that all the negative features of thecurrent microwave motion sensor are eliminated and converted to positivefeatures while its original merits are retained. The PIR techniquedetects motion intrusion of infrared ray emitting object based on themovement of infrared ray signal collected by a lens and focused on asurface along the x axis and y axis. The microwave motion sensor on theother hand detects motion intrusion by the frequency changes ofreflective microwave compared with the transmitted microwave; in otherwords, the microwave motion sensor detects a motion by the movingdistance change along the z-axis between the moving object and thesensor location (the location of the microwave motion sensor). When anobject is approaching the sensor location, the frequency of echoedsignal received by the microwave motion sensor features a higherfrequency. Contrarily, when an object is leaving the sensor location,the frequency of reflective signal received by the microwave motionsensor features a lower frequency. This is so called the Doppler Effect.The following 4 steps represent the technologies of the presentinvention developed for resolving the untamable wall penetrationproblems of the microwave detection signal;

1) Separating the microwave sensing unit (radiator or transceiver) fromthe circuit structure of the control unit while remaining electricallyconnected with the control unit. This way the spreading capacity of themicrowave signal can be more efficiently controlled and better managed.

2) Positioning the microwave sensing unit (radiator or transceiver)inside a metallic cup with open bottom to confine the microwavedetection capacity to a desired area to avoid the unwanted wallpenetration effect and to manage the spreading capacity of the microwavesignal.

3) Developing an adjustable means to allow position adjustment betweenthe microwave sensing unit and the microwave confining unit such thatthe scope of the microwave detection zone can be telescopically expandedor contracted.

4) Creating a microwave confining unit composed of a plurality ofadjustable metallic reflectors which can be individually or collectivelypushed outward to form angle opening(s) in different direction(s) withan effect of allowing the microwave detection capacity to expand indifferent direction(s) along the direction(s) of angle openingsaccording to the environmental characteristics of user's living space.In other words, the shape and scope dimension of the microwave detectionzone can be managed by the users to meet specific requirements of theirliving spaces.

The microwave sensing unit which includes a microwave transmittingcircuit and a microwave receiving circuit is the only radiation sourceof microwave signal in the whole circuit assembly. In order to be ableto efficiently manage the detection behavior of the microwave sensingunit, it is necessary to separate this small microwave sensing unit fromthe whole circuit assembly (Step 1). Otherwise it is hard to regulatethe detection behavior of the microwave signal as the dimension of thecontrol unit is simply too big to manage. The microwave sensing unit isthen positioned inside the microwave confining unit which is basically ametallic cup with open bottom for control purpose (Step 2). Because themicrowave signal cannot penetrate a metallic wall surrounding themicrowave sensing unit, the detection capacity is confined to a zonespace under the microwave confining unit with the scope of the detectionzone to be determined by the diameter of the open bottom of the metalliccup as well as the relative position between the microwave sensing unitand the microwave confining unit. Since the dimensions of living spacesare different among different users a single size solution of themicrowave confining unit is not sufficient to satisfy different demandsfrom end users. If the living space is much bigger, the detection scopebecomes relatively too small to perform necessary function for turningon the load upon entering the living space. If the living space is muchsmaller, the detection space becomes relatively too extensive and themicrowave signal could still have the wall penetration effect nearby thelower half of the wall. It is unrealistic to offer different sizes ofmetallic cups for user' selection as it is too costly and time consumingfor users to try and select the right size metallic cup.

To resolve such a problem the technology of Step 3 is introduced; anadjustable means is invented to make the relative position between themicrowave confining unit and the microwave sensing unit adjustable suchthat the scope of the microwave detection zone under the microwaveconfining unit can be telescopically expanded or contracted. There aretwo ways to achieve the adjustable function; one way is to make themicrowave sensing unit adjustable for moving up or down while keepingthe microwave confining unit fixed, the other way is to make themetallic cup (the microwave confining unit) adjustable for moving up ordown while keeping the microwave sensing unit fixed. This technology ofStep 3 offers the end users the flexibility to adjust the scope ofmicrowave detection zone according to the sizes of their living spaces.The technology of Step 3 can only work efficiently with uniform shapedliving spaces such as round, square or polygonal living spaces. Fornon-uniformed living spaces such as rectangular or oval space theadjustment of Step 3 is limited to the width between two walls formingthe hallway space, otherwise the problem of wall penetration effect willresume. The living spaces vary not only in terms of sizes but also interms of shapes. The technology of Step 3 is not able to manage thevariation of shapes effectively. It appears that efforts are stillrequired to deal with the shape issue of the living space before themicrowave motion sensor can be considered as a perfect motion detectionsolution. The detection zone managed by the microwave confining unitneeds to resemble to the shape of a living space in order to make thebest use of the microwave detection capacity without creating the wallpenetration effect. A hallway with rectangular motion path or with longoval shaped motion path would require a different shape of microwaveconfining unit which could produce a detection zone space matching theshape of hall way motion path. In reality, it is not possible to providemultiple styles of shades for selection by the users. What is reallyneeded is another adjustable means that can be used to form a detectionzone resembling to the shape of living space.

The technology of Step 4 provides a good solution for managing the shapeas well as the extension of the microwave detection zone. The metalliccup of the microwave confining unit is designed to be a composition of aplurality of metallic reflectors which can be individually orcollectively pushed outward to form window openings to allow themicrowave signal to pass through the openings and extend its detectioncapacity along the direction(s) of window(s) opened. Regardless theshape of the living space any combination of window opening(s) can bemanaged by the users to create a detection zone matching the shapes oftheir living spaces to optimize the efficiency of microwave detectionwithout the hassle of wall penetration. For instance for a hall wayliving space with either a rectangular motion path or an oval motionpath, the two opposite reflectors or window gates of the metallic cupcan be pushed outward to extend the detection capacity along thedirection of the motion path while the other reflectors facing the twowalls are kept closed to avoid the occurrence of wall penetration. Theangle or extent of opening also determines the detection distance alongthe motion path.

The technology of Step 4 has effectively resolved the last problem formanaging the microwave detection capacity. With the employment of theabove 4 technologies the microwave motion sensor becomes a perfectsolution for performing the job of motion detection. The abovetechnologies have another useful application for developing a low costoccupancy detector which controls the on/off performance of load basedon the status of occupancy rather than using a timer to automaticallyturn off the load performance. The Doppler Effect enables us torecognize whether an object is approaching or leaving the sensorlocation by judging the frequency deviation of the reflective microwavesignal from the originally transmitted microwave signal; a lowerfrequency indicates the object is leaving the sensor location while ahigher frequency indicates the object is approaching the sensorlocation. The problem is in a living space such as a single entry roomthere is no way for the microwave motion sensor to differentiate betweendestination motion signal (entering room or leaving room) and localmotion signal (random motions inside the living space).

The above invented technologies offer a capacity to manage the shape ofthe detection zone such that it becomes possible to differentiatebetween the destination motion signals (entering room or leaving room)and local signals (random motions inside the living space). Thedestination motions have a much longer motion path (local detection zoneplus extended detection zone) compared with the local motions in theoriginal scope of detection zone (local detection zone) in the livingspace. Therefore, the signal duration of the reflective microwave by thedestination motions is always longer than the signal duration ofreflective signal by the local motions in the original detection zone inthe living space. The microcontroller of the microwave motion sensorthereby can judge the classification of the reflective signals based onthe frequency deviation by the Doppler Effect and the signal durationdifference of the reflective signals by the technology of Step 4. If thetime duration of a reflective signal is longer than a preset timelength, it is recognized as a destination motion, further if thefrequency of the reflective signal is higher than the frequency of thetransmitted signal, it is recognized as an incoming motion, otherwise itis then recognized as a leaving motion; if the time duration is shorterthan a preset time length the reflective signals are considered as localmotions inside the living space to be ignored. The Step 3 technology ismost useful for any open space motion detection as motions can come fromany direction of the open space, the adjustable feature of detectionzone enables users to manage motion detection function according to thedimension of the open space which needs intrusion detection. The Step 4however is most useful for any closed space motion detection andoccupancy detection (for instance a basement or a walking closet). Foroccupancy detection inside a closed space where there is an entry door,what really matters is the detection at the entry point of the entrydoor. After entering the entry door, there is no more need for motiondetection, therefore the diameter of the metallic cup does not need tobe wide. The motion path of random motions or local motions inside theroom therefore can be managed to be substantially shorter than themotion path of the extended detection zone created by a window gateopened along the direction facing the entry door. With such arrangement,it becomes possible to differentiate the reflective signals betweenlocal motions and destination motions. Aside from using the Step 4technology for occupancy detection there is another way for performingoccupancy detection by using the Step 2 technology, wherein themicrowave confining unit is further installed with swivel connector onthe top end of the microwave confining unit such that the microwaveconfining unit can be angled outward facing the entry door. By sucharrangement the microwave sensing unit will only detect destinationmotions since there is no motion detection for the local/random motionsinside the room.

An occupancy counter (OC) is established in the software program of themicrocontroller (MCU) to record the classification of reflectivemicrowave signals; the numerical value of OC represents the number ofpeople remaining in the living space. The OC value is at zero when theliving space is unoccupied. When a motion signal is detected, themicrowave motion sensor automatically turns on the load, at the sametime the value of OC is changed from 0 to 1. When a second motion signalis detected, the microcontroller first compares the duration of themotion signal with the preset time length; if the duration of the motionsignal is shorter than the preset time length the motion is classifiedas a local random motion inside the living space and is thereforeignored; if the duration of the motion signal is longer than a presettime length it is classified as another destination motion, themicrocontroller further compares the frequency of the destination motionsignal; if the reflective frequency is higher than the transmittedfrequency, the microcontroller recognizes it is another incoming motionthereby the occupancy counter adds 1 and update its value to 2. The sameprocess repeats as more persons entering the living space. If however,the reflective frequency is lower than the transmitted frequency themicrocontroller recognizes it is an outgoing motion thereby theoccupancy counter deducts 1 and updates its value. At any time when theOC value becomes 0 the microcontroller manages to turn off the loadaccordingly.

The preset reference time length can also be automatically establishedwith a learning subroutine which can be used to measure the actual timelength for a person to walk out the room along the departing motion pathand after a predetermined delay time period (for instance 3 minutes,could be longer or shorter) with no further motion signal is detected,the last motion is then confirmed as a departing motion and the timelength of the last motion is thereby recorded by the microcontroller asthe first reference time length; the process will repeat for a few timesto collect and form a data base of different time lengths, themicrocontroller then selects a time length which is equal to or shorterthan the shortest time length in the collected data base fordifferentiating between the destination motion and the local motion.During the learning period the motion sensor uses a timer mode to turnoff the load, after the learning process is completed themicrocontroller, having developed a necessary data base needed, therebyswitches the turn off control from timer mode to occupancy detectionmode with the load to be turned off at time when the occupancy becomeszero.

The detection system of the present invention also has an automaticcorrection function designed to correct a wrong judgment; if forwhatever reason, the occupancy counter makes a wrong calculation to showa value of zero while a person is still in the living space, themicrocontroller may manages to turn off the light but because the personremaining in the local detection zone will reactively generates a randommotion in the original detection zone responding to the turn off, themicrocontroller thereby acts to turn light back on, at the same time theOC is changed from 0 to 1 from here the system resumes to normal processthat two conditions are required to cause the microcontroller to turnsoff the light; the signal duration needs to be longer than the presettime length and the frequency of the motion signal needs to be lowerthan the transmitted frequency.

The occupancy detection technology of the present invention can beexpanded to a home/office occupancy detecting system where a pluralityof local occupancy detectors at each exit are wirelessly coupled to acloud or central occupancy control unit, to consolidate the incomingsand outgoings through different exits to determine the occupancy statusof the office/house for controlling the load performance.

There are other prior arts in the field of occupancy detection forprofessional applications in medical treatment and security guardsystems. Most of them use rather complicated technologies includingvideo identification & analytical recognition (US Publication 2014103133) or laser scan sensing technology (US Publication 2014 1039818)and the costs for making such products are quite expensive.

The present invention is a low cost solution that can be used to developaffordable and useful products to benefit the public with substantialeconomic value. The adjustable metallic cup only costs a few cents whileits application could be very huge in our living improvement and this isthe greatest innovation value of the present invention.

In order to further understand the techniques, means and effects of thepresent disclosure, the following detailed descriptions and appendeddrawings are hereby referred to, such that, and through which, thepurposes, features and aspects of the present disclosure can bethoroughly and concretely appreciated; however, the appended drawingsare merely provided for reference and illustration, without anyintention to be used for limiting the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in andconstitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrateexemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with thedescription, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1A illustrates a prior art of illumination apparatus with microwavemotion sensor;

FIG. 1B according to the embodiment of FIG. 1A illustrates a prior artof detection zone of illumination apparatus with microwave motionsensor;

FIG. 1C, FIG. 1D, and FIG. 1E illustrate a prior art of detection zonewith a security alarm system using microwave motion sensor to detectintrusion.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of illumination apparatus with microwavemotion sensor according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the control unit and the microwavesensing unit of microwave motion sensor;

FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram of illumination apparatus with microwavemotion sensor according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4B is a schematic diagram of illumination apparatus with amicrowave motion sensor according to another embodiment of the presentinvention, wherein a swivel connector is installed for adjustment ofdetection angle;

FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram of illumination apparatus with microwavemotion sensor according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5B is another schematic diagram of microwave motion sensoraccording to the embodiment of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 5C is a schematic diagram of microwave motion sensor according toanother embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5D is another schematic diagram of microwave motion sensoraccording to the embodiment of FIG. 5C;

FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram of illumination apparatus with microwavemotion sensor for smaller detection zone;

FIG. 6B according to the embodiment of FIG. 6A is an operating diagramof illumination apparatus with a microwave motion sensor for a smallerdetection zone;

FIG. 6C is a schematic diagram of illumination apparatus with microwavemotion sensor adjusted for a bigger detection zone;

FIG. 6D is an operating diagram of illumination apparatus with microwavemotion sensor adjusted for a bigger detection zone;

FIG. 7A is a schematic diagram of illumination apparatus with microwavemotion sensor operated with two opposite reflectors opened for a hallwayapplication as detection zone according to another embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 7B according to the embodiment of FIG. 7A is an operating diagramof illumination apparatus with microwave motion sensor operated with twoopposite reflectors opened for a hallway application as detection zone;

FIG. 7C is a schematic diagram of illumination apparatus with microwavemotion sensor operated with three reflectors opened for outdoorapplication as detection zone according to another embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 7D according to the embodiment of FIG. 7C is an operating diagramof illumination apparatus with microwave motion sensor with threereflector opened for outdoor application as detection zone;

FIG. 8A is a schematic diagram of illumination apparatus with microwavemotion sensor operated with no window gate/reflector opened.

FIG. 8B according to the embodiment of FIG. 8A is an operating diagramof illumination apparatus operating in a local detection zone;

FIG. 8C is a schematic diagram of illumination apparatus with microwavemotion sensor operated with one window gate opened;

FIG. 8D according to the embodiment of FIG. 8C is an operating diagramof illumination apparatus operating in a composite detection zone;

FIG. 8E is a schematic diagram of illumination apparatus with microwavemotion sensor operated with two opposite window gates opened for anindoor application as detection zone according to another embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 8F according to the embodiment of FIG. 8E is an operating diagramof illumination apparatus with microwave motion sensor operated with twoopposite window gates/reflectors opened for an indoor application asdetection zone;

FIG. 8G is a flowchart of a software algorithm showing occupancy counteroperation steps by illumination apparatus with a motion sensor (either amicrowave motion sensor or an ultrasonic motion sensor) for transmittingwave signal and receiving echoed signal of the wave signal reflectedfrom a moving human body;

FIG. 9A is a schematic diagram of illumination apparatus with microwavemotion sensor operated with two opposite window gates/reflectors openedfor an indoor application as detection zone according to anotherembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9B according to the embodiment of FIG. 9A is an operating diagramof illumination apparatus with microwave motion sensor operated with twoopposite window gates/reflectors opened for an indoor application asdetection zone;

FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B are schematic diagrams of illumination apparatuswith microwave motion sensor with a portion of metallic foil ripped offfor a hallway application as detection zone according to anotherembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10C according to the embodiment of FIGS. 10A and 10B is anoperating diagram of illumination apparatus with microwave motion sensorfor an indoor application as detection zone;

FIG. 11A is a schematic diagram of illumination apparatus with microwavemotion sensor for an outdoor application as detection zone according toanother embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11B is a side view of FIG. 11A;

FIG. 11C according to the embodiment of FIG. 11A is an operating diagramof illumination apparatus with microwave motion sensor for an outdoorapplication as detection zone;

FIG. 12A is a schematic diagram of illumination apparatus with an angleadjustable microwave motion sensor according to another embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 12B according to the embodiment of FIG. 12A is an operating diagramof illumination apparatus with microwave motion sensor;

FIG. 13A is a schematic diagram of illumination apparatus with microwavemotion sensor according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13B is a side view of FIG. 13A;

FIG. 13C according to the embodiment of FIG. 13A is an operating diagramof illumination apparatus with microwave motion sensor.

FIG. 14A is a schematic diagram of microwave motion sensor according toanother embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14B and FIG. 14C is another schematic diagram of microwave motionsensor according to the embodiment of FIG. 14A;

FIG. 15A is another schematic diagram of a LED light bulb with microwavemotion sensor; and

FIG. 15B is another schematic diagram of a LED light bulb with microwavemotion sensor.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiments of thepresent disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers areused in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or likeparts.

Compared with the prior art of U.S. Pat. No. 8,169,356 B2 the presentinvention has three merits; First, it innovatively introduces a metalliccup as a microwave confining unit to manage the detection zone of themicrowave signal unlike the prior art using a reflector positioned highabove the microwave radiating elements 30 for enhancing the downwarddetection capacity. The microwave radiating elements 30 of the saidprior art are far away from the reflector. The said microwave radiatingelements 30 are disposed outside the reflector. The present inventioninstead positions the microwave sensing unit (equal to the radiatingelements of U.S. Pat. No. 8,169,356 B2) inside a hollow metallic cupwith open bottom so that the microwave signal is downwardly shaped toform a confined detection zone suitable for a predetermined space.Unlike the prior art the present invention does not need to reduce thetransmitting power of the microwave motion sensor. The detection zone ismore precisely defined to avoid unwanted embarrassment of wrongdetection. The scope of the detection zone is determined by the taperangle of the metallic cup or by the diameter of the bottom opening ofthe metallic cup.

Second, the present invention further introduces an adjustable meansconnected with the microwave sensing unit to adjust the position of themicrowave sensing unit up or down inside the metallic cup or anadjustable means connected with the metallic cup to adjust the positionof the metallic up or down relative to the microwave sensing unit withan effect to enlarge or contract the scope of the detection zone. Third,the present invention further introduces a hollow metallic cup composedof several adjustable window gates with each window gate independentlyadjustable to open outward angle so as to allow extension of microwavedetection capacity along the direction of angle(s) opened. This allowsthe users to manage the microwave detection zone according to theenvironmental characteristic of their living spaces. FIG. 2˜FIG. 15Bshow how the negative features of the microwave motion sensor arecorrected and converted to positive features by applying thetechnologies of the present invention. More details of the presentinvention are disclosed in the following paragraphs.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of illumination apparatus with microwavemotion sensor according to one embodiment of the present invention.Please refer to FIG. 2. An illumination apparatus 1 comprises amicrowave motion sensor 10, an illumination module 12, a mounting module14 and a light diffuser 16. Practically, the microwave motion sensor 10is for motion detection or intrusion detection in a predetermined space.The illumination module 12 is for emitting light. The mounting module 14is for mounting the illumination apparatus 1 onto the ceiling, wall orequipment. The light diffuser 16 is for diffusing light. Thus, whensomebody moves into the predetermined space such as the detection zoneof the microwave motion sensor 10, the illumination module 12 will emitlight to the predetermined space.

In detail, the microwave motion sensor 10 comprises a control unit 100,a microwave sensing unit 102, a microwave confining unit 104 and anadjustable means 106. The control unit 100 is electrically coupled tothe microwave sensing unit 102. The microwave confining unit 104 is suchas metallic cup to surround the microwave sensing unit 102. Theadjustable means 106 is integrated with the microwave sensing unit 102.Therefore, the microwave sensing unit 102 is movable up and down alongan axis in an accommodating space of the microwave sensing unit 102.

The control unit 100 comprises a microcontroller with a hardware setupand software program codes to perform functions of generating amicrowave signal, receiving and processing echoed microwave signalreceived from the microwave sensing unit 102 generated by a motionintrusion and managing the on/off performance of the illumination module12 responding to the echoed microwave signal received. The type of thecontrol unit 100 in the present embodiment is not limited thereby.

The microwave sensing unit 102, for transmitting and receiving themicrowave signal, is coupled to the control unit 100. Traditionally themicrowave sensing unit is such as a microwave antenna being a portion ofan unitary control unit. Thus, when the prior art microwave motionsensor detects a motion of somebody in next room, the prior artillumination module will be unwantedly turned on to cause embarrassmentand energy waste.

In the present invention, the microwave sensing unit 102 which includesa microwave transmitter and a microwave receiver is structurallyseparated from the control unit 100 while electrically remaining coupledwith the control unit 100 to respectively perform transmitting ofmicrowave signal and receiving of echoed microwave signal.

Further, the microwave confining unit 104 is designed for confining thescope of the detection zone of the microwave signal. The microwaveconfining unit 104 has an accommodating space formed inside themicrowave confining unit 104 with the microwave sensing unit 102disposed inside the accommodating space. The microwave confining unit104 is a metallic construction, or a non-metallic construction laminatedwith metallic foil 1052. For the convenience of explanation, themicrowave confining unit 104 in the present embodiment is a metalliccup. For example, the microwave confining unit 104 is a hollow coneshaped body, a hollow cylindrical shaped body or a hollow polygonalshaped body designed to surround the microwave sensing unit 102. Theshape of the microwave confining unit 104 in the present embodiment isnot limited thereby.

In the other embodiment, the microwave confining unit 104 has aplurality of metallic reflectors surrounding the accommodating space.Any of the metallic reflectors can be individually or collectivelypushed outward to create angled gap(s) to allow the microwave signal topass through for extension of microwave detection. The angle of gapopening determines how far the microwave signal can extend along thedirection of gap opening. By adjusting the gap opening angle(s) of themetallic reflectors singularly or plurally, the users are able to managethe shape of microwave detection zone according to the environmentalcharacteristics of their living spaces to avoid unnecessary detection ofunwanted area. The type of the microwave confining unit 104 in thepresent embodiment is not limited thereby.

References are made to FIG. 2, wherein an adjustable means is integratedwith the microwave sensing unit 102 to adjust position of the microwavesensing unit 102 inside the accommodating space. For example, theadjustable means is a telescopic unit 106, and the telescopic unit 106is connected between the control unit 100 and the microwave sensing unit102. The adjustable telescopic unit 106 is for moving the microwavesensing unit 102 vertically up and down in the accommodating space. Thetelescopic unit 106 is a piston shaped device comprising a sliding pipe1066 integrated with a plastic housing 1020 to hold the microwavesensing unit 102 and a nipple construction 1062 with a rubber ring 1064built into its bottom end. The type of the adjustable means in thepresent embodiment is not limited thereby.

When the microwave sensing unit 102 is moved upward to a position closeto the mounting module 14, the microwave confining unit 104 shades mostof the microwave signal heading toward the horizontal directionresulting to a smaller detection zone of the microwave signal. When themicrowave sensing unit 102 is moved downward to a position close to thelight diffuser 16, the microwave confining unit 104 shades least of themicrowave signal heading toward the horizontal direction resulting to abigger detection zone of the microwave signal. In the other words, theuser according to the predetermined space could adjust position of themicrowave sensing unit 102 inside the accommodating space to manage thescope of detection zone within an useful range to satisfy differentdimension of living space.

In more detail, the microwave confining unit 104 is attached andfastened to the mounting module 14, for instance ceiling pan, throughthe nipple construction 1062 by screwing a pair of lock nut 1068, fromtop and bottom surface of the mounting module 14. The microwave sensingunit 102 installed inside the plastic housing 1020 has its connectingcables passing through the sliding pipe 1066 to connect to the controlunit 100 located on the upper left surface of the mounting module 14 viaconnectors 1002 and 1022. The microwave sensing unit 102 with itsplastic housing 1020 is positioned inside the microwave confining unit104 and is further connected to the sliding pipe 1066 of the adjustablemeans to move up or down for adjusting the vertical position of themicrowave sensing unit 1020 along the central axis of the microwaveconfining unit 104.

The nipple construction 1062 of the adjustable means serves as a femaledevice while the sliding pipe 1066 serves as a male device to slidealong the central axis of the nipple construction 1062. The diameter ofthe sliding pipe 1066 is slightly larger than the inner diameter of therubber ring 1064 such that the rubber ring 1064 effectively creates atunnel of rubber wall. The tunnel of rubber wall allows the male arm ofsliding pipe 1066 to slide up by an easy hand push or slide down by aneasy hand pull inside the hollow space of nipple construction 1062. Therubber ring 1064 is able to grab and hold the sliding pipe 1066 and theconnected microwave sensing unit 102 to park at any position inside themicrowave confining unit 104 when the sliding motion ceases.

The piston shaped sliding pipe 1066 is designed to perform threefunctions. The first function is to hold the microwave sensing unit 102,the second function is to serve as a cable pipe for channeling theconnecting cables of the microwave sensing unit 102 to connect to thecontrol unit 100, and the third function is to serve as a male device toperform sliding function inside the nipple construction 1062.

The nipple construction 1062 is designed to perform two functions. Thefirst function is to serve as a connector working with lock nuts 1068and 1070 to fasten the microwave confining unit 104 and mounting module14 together. The second function is to serve as female device toaccommodate the male device of the piston shaped sliding pipe 1066 toperform sliding motion inside its hollow space.

The embodiment of using the position adjustment of the microwave sensingunit 102 inside the metallic microwave confining unit 104 to manage thescope of the detection zone of the microwave signals represents thesecond innovation of the present disclosure. The relative position ofthe microwave sensing unit 102 versus the metallic microwave confiningunit 104 determines the scope of the microwave detection zone within arange.

It is noted that the illumination module 12 is coupled to the controlunit 100. The illumination module 12 is such as a plurality of LEDs orLED module. The mounting module 14 is such as a ceiling pan as shown asFIG. 2. The microwave confining unit 104 is further attached to theceiling pan. Then, the microwave sensing unit 102 is positioned insideof the metallic cup of the microwave confining unit 104. Thus, the scopeof the detection zone of the microwave signal varies based on positionof the microwave sensing unit 102 in the accommodating space.

In addition, the scope of the detection zone of the microwave signalvaries based on the shape of the microwave confining unit 104 and theshape of the microwave confining unit 104 varies based on thepredetermined space. When the microwave sensing unit 102 detects motionor intrusion, the control unit 100 controls the illumination module 12to turn on

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the control unit and the microwavesensing unit of microwave motion sensor. Please refer to FIG. 3. Thecontrol unit 100 further comprises a first connector 1002 and a firstcable. The microwave sensing unit 102 further comprises a secondconnector 1022 and a second cable. The first connector 1002 and thesecond connector 1022 are a female connector and a male connectorrespectively. In the other words, the first connector 1002 and thesecond connector 1022 are a pair of connectors.

In detail, the circuit assembly is divided into the control unit 100 andthe microwave sensing unit 102. The microwave sensing unit 102 isstructurally separated from the whole circuit assembly of the microwavemotion sensor 10 while electrically remaining coupled to the controlunit 100 through cables and connectors 1002 and 1022. With sucharrangement, the microwave sensing unit 102 can be removed and placedinside the microwave confining unit 104. The implementation of thecontrol unit 100 and the microwave sensing unit 102 is not limited inthe present embodiment, and the one skilled in the art may freely designit according to the actual needs.

FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B are schematic diagrams of illumination apparatuswith microwave motion sensor according to another embodiment of thepresent invention, respectively. Please refer to FIG. 4A. Theillumination apparatus 1 a comprises the control unit 100, the microwavesensing unit 102 and the microwave confining unit 104. Both themicrowave sensing unit 102 and the microwave confining unit 104 arefixed to the mounting module 14. The embodiment of FIG. 4A is a simpleand lower cost solution to be applied to devices wherein theinstallation of an adjustable means is either impossible or notnecessary, for instance, a LED light bulb with a built-in microwavemotion sensor, or a fixed detection zone for antitheft security alarmsystem. The type of the illumination apparatus 1 a in the presentembodiment is not limited thereby.

The embodiment of FIG. 4B is another embodiment of the presentinvention, wherein the illumination apparatus 1 as further comprisesswivel connector 110. The swivel connector 110 is installed foradjustment of detection angle. For example, the user adjusts a rotatedposition of the microwave confining unit 104 based on the swivelconnector 110. Thus, the scope of detection zone is positioned accordingto the rotated position.

FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram of illumination apparatus with microwavemotion sensor according to another embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 5B is another schematic diagram of microwave motion sensoraccording to the embodiment of FIG. 5A. Please refer to FIGS. 5A and 5B.

As shown in FIG. 5A, if the microwave sensing unit 102 is positioneddeeply inside the metallic microwave confining unit 104. The scope ofthe detection zone of the microwave signals is minimal as the microwavesignals are mostly shaded by the metallic wall of the microwaveconfining unit 104. On the other hand, if the microwave sensing unit1020 is positioned close to the open bottom of the microwave confiningunit 104 as shown in FIG. 5B. The scope of the detection zone of themicrowave signals will be maximal as only the top portion of themicrowave signals is shaded by the metallic microwave confining unit 104above the microwave antenna sensing.

This is an important and useful feature of the present disclosure sinceit provides the end users with a capacity to flexibly adjust the scopeof detection zone of the microwave signals according to thepredetermined space, for instance the size of their living space. Thecurrent exemplary of the adjustable means is only one of the many wayswith the adjustable concept of the present disclosure.

Aside from the use of adjusting the relative position between themicrowave confining unit 104 and the microwave sensing unit 1020 throughthe adjustable means to manage the effective radius of the microwavedetection zone the present art also discloses a few new techniques toexpand the microwave detection capacity in desired directions accordingto the predetermined space requirements of the users.

FIG. 5C is a schematic diagram of microwave motion sensor according toanother embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5D is anotherschematic diagram of microwave motion sensor according to the embodimentof FIG. 5C. Please refer to FIGS. 5C and 5D. The difference between FIG.5C and FIG. 5A is that the microwave confining unit 104 is movable upand down within a range while the microwave sensing unit 102 is fixed tothe mounting module, the ceiling or the wall.

The sliding pipe 1066 has a fixed length so that the microwave sensingunit 102 is positioned in the same place. The microwave confining unit104 has a neck portion 111 and a slot 109. The slot 109 is disposed onthe neck portion 111. The front section of the sliding pipe 1066 issurrounded with a rubber column 108. The rubber column 108 has rubbermono track 1088. When the relative motion between the rubber mono track1088 and the slot 109 occurs, the microwave confining unit 104 moves upor down. When the microwave confining unit 104 is moved downward theground, the scope of the detection zone will be minimal as shown as FIG.5D. When the microwave confining unit 104 is moved upward the mountingmodule, the scope of the detection zone will be maximal as shown as FIG.5C. The type of the microwave motion sensor in the present embodiment isnot limited thereby.

FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram of illumination apparatus with microwavemotion sensor for smaller detection zone. FIG. 6B according to theembodiment of FIG. 6A is an operating diagram of illumination apparatuswith microwave motion sensor for smaller detection zone. Please refer toFIGS. 6A and 6B. When the microwave sensing unit 102 closes to themounting module 14, for instance the microwave sensing unit 102 islocated at top side of the microwave confining unit 104. The microwaveconfining unit 104 shades most of the microwave signal heading towardthe horizontal direction, so as to downward shaping the smallerdetection zone Z6A of the microwave signal. As shown as FIG. 6B.

FIG. 6C is a schematic diagram of illumination apparatus with microwavemotion sensor for bigger detection zone. FIG. 6D is an operating diagramof illumination apparatus with microwave motion sensor for biggerdetection zone. Please refer to FIGS. 6C and 6D. When the microwavesensing unit 102 closes to the light diffuser 16, for instance themicrowave sensing unit 102 is located at the opening side of themicrowave confining unit 104. The microwave confining unit 104 shadesfew of the microwave signal heading toward the horizontal direction, soas to downward shaping the bigger detection zone Z6C of the microwavesignal.

In the other words, when the predetermined space is a smaller room, theuser according to the predetermined space could adjust position of themicrowave sensing unit 102 to the top side of the microwave confiningunit 104. Thus, the scope of the detection zone Z6A will be small range.When the predetermined space is a bigger room, the user according to thepredetermined space could adjust position of the microwave sensing unit102 to the opening side of the microwave confining unit 104. Thus, thescope of the detection zone Z6C will be big range. On the basis of theabove, the scope of the detection zone Z6A and Z6C of the microwavesignal could match the predetermined space based on the position ofmicrowave motion sensor 10 in the accommodating space.

FIG. 7A is a schematic diagram of illumination apparatus with microwavemotion sensor for hallway as detection zone according to anotherembodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7B according to the embodimentof FIG. 7A is an operating diagram of illumination apparatus withmicrowave motion sensor for hallway as detection zone. Please refer toFIGS. 7A and 7B.

For explanation convenience, the microwave confining unit 104 has fourmetallic reflectors 1041, 1042, 1043 and 1044 and the metallicreflectors 1041, 1042, 1043 and 1044 form a metallic shade forreflecting the microwave signal. In more detail, two opposite metallicreflectors 1041 and 1042 are pulled outward in two opposite directionsto allow the microwave signals to extend its detection capacity alongthe motion path in a hallway application.

FIG. 7C is a schematic diagram of illumination apparatus with microwavemotion sensor for outdoor as detection zone according to anotherembodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7D according to the embodimentof FIG. 7C is an operating diagram of illumination apparatus withmicrowave motion sensor for outdoor as detection zone. Please refer toFIGS. 7C and 7D.

The difference of microwave confining unit 104 between FIG. 7A and FIG.7C is the metallic reflectors 1041, 1042, 1043 and 1044 formingdifferent metallic shade for reflecting the microwave signal. In moredetail, two opposite metallic reflectors 1041 and 1042 are pulledoutward in two opposite directions to allow the microwave signals toextend its detection capacity along the motion path in an outdoorapplication. One metallic reflector 1043 closing the outdoor are pulledoutward the direction of outdoor. One metallic reflector 1044 closingthe indoor are not pulled. As shown as FIG. 7C.

The scope of the detection zone Z7A of the microwave signal is a longstrip range in FIG. 7B. The scope of the detection zone Z7C of themicrowave signal is a hemispherical range in FIG. 7D. For example, inFIG. 7D somebody does not go into the detection zone Z7C, for instancesomebody walking indoor near to the outdoor entry, the illuminationapparatus 1 does not emit light. When somebody walks pass the outdoorentry, the illumination apparatus 1 emits light. It is convenience forimproving efficiency and saving energy.

FIG. 8A is a schematic diagram of illumination apparatus with microwavemotion sensor operated with no window gate/reflector opened. FIG. 8B isan operating diagram of illumination apparatus operating in a localdetection zone A. When the microwave confining unit 104 is operatedwithout any of the pre-punched window gate 1048 opened, the microwavesensing unit 102 operates its detection capacity in a local detectionzone A. The local detection zone A is for detecting a local motion.

FIG. 8C is a schematic diagram of illumination apparatus with microwavemotion sensor operated with one window gate opened. FIG. 8D is anoperating diagram of illumination apparatus operating in a compositedetection zone B. When the microwave confining unit 104 is operated withat least one pre-punched window gate 1048 opened, the microwave sensingunit 102 operates its detection capacity in a composite detection zone Bcomposed of the local detection zone A and an extended destinationdetection zone created by the pre-punched window gate 1048 openedleading to an entry.

The extended destination detection zone is for detecting a destinationmotion, which is either an incoming motion or an outgoing motion, andthe local detection zone A is for detecting a local motion. Thedestination motion is featured with a long duration of motion signalwhile the local motion inside the local detection zone A is featuredwith a short duration of motion signal.

The recognition of a destination motion (either incoming motion oroutgoing motion) is based on the time length of the motion signal beingequal to or longer than a preset reference time length, wherein thepreset reference time length is designed to differentiate betweendestination motions and local motions occurred in the predeterminedspace. The preset reference time length representing the minimum timelength required for walking through the composite detection zone B canbe established as a reference for differentiation between thedestination motion and the local motion.

In addition, a reflective incoming motion signal is featured with afrequency pattern received higher than a frequency pattern transmitted,while a reflective outgoing motion signal is featured with the frequencypattern received lower than the frequency pattern transmitted.

An occupancy detection software is designed in the control unit torecord and update the occupancy status of the predetermined space. Anumerical value counter of the occupancy detection software isestablished to operate the calculation of the occupancy status bycounting the occurrences of each incoming motion and each outgoingmotion in the predetermined space.

For example, whenever the predetermined space is unoccupied, thenumerical value is set at zero and the light is consequently in turnedoff state. Whenever an incoming motion is detected, the numerical valueof the occupancy counter is added 1. When an outgoing motion isdetected, the numerical value of the occupancy counter is deducted 1.

Whenever the numerical value of the occupancy counter is changed fromzero to a positive integer, the microcontroller accordingly manages toturn on the light. Whenever the numerical value of the occupancy counteris changed from a positive integer to zero, the microcontrolleraccordingly manages to turn off the light. The numerical value of theoccupancy counter represents the number of persons remaining in thepredetermined space whenever the numerical value of the occupancycounter becomes zero meaning no one in the predetermined space.

The reference time length is established by a search subroutine on anautomatic basis. Whenever the power is on, the microcontroller checksits memory status to see if a reference time length is preset in thepredetermined space. In the absence of an established reference timelength, the microcontroller accordingly operates an automatic searchsubroutine to identify an adequate reference time length to be used fordifferentiation between destination motions and local motions. When thelight is turned on, the microcontroller operates a program code tosearch a lower frequency motion signal with the longest time length bycomparing the time lengths of different lower frequency motion signalsdetected. If the last selected motion signal with the longest signaltime length successfully survives a predetermined delay time with nofurther motion signals detected, the time length of the last selectedmotion signal is then concluded as an adequate reference time length.

The automatic search subroutine is designed to measure the actual timelength required for a user to walk through the composite detection zoneB toward the entry door and after a preset time delay with no furthermotion signal being detected, the signal time length of the last motionis thereby concluded as an adequate reference time length. The processcontinues a few times to collect and form a database of different timelengths representing different walking behaviors or different users, themicrocontroller then selects a reference time length which is equal orshorter than the shortest time length in the collected data base as thereference time length for performing occupancy detection. During thesearch period for building the database, the motion sensor uses a timermode to turn off the light. After the search process is completed, themotion sensor switches the turn off control from the timer mode to theoccupancy mode with the load to be turned off when the numerical valueof the occupancy detector becomes zero.

FIG. 8E is a schematic diagram of illumination apparatus with microwavemotion sensor operated with two opposite window gates opened for anindoor application as detection zone according to another embodiment ofthe present invention. FIG. 8F is an operating diagram of illuminationapparatus with microwave motion sensor operated with two opposite windowgates/reflectors opened for an indoor application as detection zone.FIG. 8E schematically illustrates a microwave confining unit 104, suchas a hollow cylindrical body composed of four metallic pre-punchedwindow gates 1048. Each of the metallic pre-punched window gates 1048faces different direction. Each of the metallic pre-punched window gatesis such as foldable metallic reflector. In FIG. 8E, some pre-punchedwindow gates 1048 are pulled outward to form two window openings OP toallow the microwave signal to pass through and extend its detectioncapacity along an opening direction of the window openings OP. Thisembodiment serves the same functions as the embodiments of FIGS. 7A and7B.

FIG. 8G is a flowchart of a software algorithm showing occupancy counteroperation steps by illumination apparatus with a motion sensor fortransmitting wave signal and receiving echoed signal of the wave signalreflected from a moving human body. The phrase of “motion sensor” hereinafter shall represents a general terminology of either a microwavemotion sensor or an ultrasonic motion sensors and the word of “wave”shall mean either a microwave or an ultrasonic wave. For the microwavemotion sensor it is further divided into low frequency microwave motionsensor operated at below 20 GHz which has an obvious wall penetrationfeature and high frequency microwave motion sensor operated at 24 GHz orhigher. For the low frequency microwave motion sensor a microwaveconfining shade is required to help confining an usable detection zonefor operating motion detection. For the high frequency microwave motionsensor, there is no wall penetration issue and therefore no confiningdevice is needed at all. The occupancy software algorithm illustratedbelow is equally applicable to above described three embodiments ofmotion sensor.

At step S1 and step S2, the microcontroller (MCU) starts and runsoccupancy detection software of the occupancy counter. At step S3,judgment is carried out as to whether or not the numerical value of theoccupancy counter is zero. If YES, the microcontroller turns off theillumination apparatus at step S42. If NO, the microcontroller turns onthe illumination apparatus at step S41.

At step S5, echoed signals detection, the motion sensor works fordetecting motion intrusion. At step S6, Check duration of echoed signal,the microcontroller checks motion intrusion based on duration of echoedsignal.

At step S7, judgment is carried out as to whether or not the duration ofechoed signal is greater than a preset time duration to pass throughentryway. If the judgment result of step S7 is YES, judgment is carriedout as to whether or not the frequency pattern of echoed signals F(e) isgreater than the frequency of the original signals F(o) at step S8. Ifthe judgment result of step S7 is NO, the numerical value of theoccupancy counter is unchanged.

If the judgment result of step S8 is YES, the numerical value of theoccupancy counter is added 1 at step S82. If the judgment result of stepS8 is No, the numerical value of the occupancy counter is deducted 1 atstep S81.

In addition, when an object is approaching the motion sensor, thefrequency pattern of echoed signals, F(e), received by the motion sensorwill be increasingly higher than the frequency of the original signalsF(o) transmitted out, F(e)>F(o). When an object is leaving the motionsensor the frequency pattern of echoed signals received by the motionsensor will be decreasingly lower than the frequency of the originalsignals F(o) transmitted out, F(e)<F(0).

Such physical phenomenon of Doppler Effect makes it possible to design asoftware program working with a microcontroller and a motion sensorcircuitry to monitor and record the incomings and outgoings of peoplepassing through the entryway of a room or a home space. In other words,the occupancy detector can tell the number of people remaining in a roomat any time; when no one in the room and an echoed signal is detected bythe motion sensor, the microcontroller will turn on the light. When thenumerical value of occupancy detector indicates no one remaining in theroom after last echoed signal, the microcontroller recognizes the lastperson has left the room and thereby turns off the light accordingly.

The motion signals of passing through the entryway can be differentiatedfrom other random motion signals occurred inside the room by means oftime length difference of the echoed signals. For the microwave motionsensor operating at a frequency under 20 GHz, the wall penetrationeffect is very obvious, the technique of using a metallic cup to confineand manage the scope of the detection zone of the microwave motionsensor as disclosed in the present invention can help to accomplish suchgoal. For the microwave motion sensor operating at a frequency equal to24 GHz or higher, the wall penetration effect is substantially reducedto a negligible level and the use of a wave confining shade is notnecessary. For ultrasonic motion sensor there is no wall penetrationissue at all.

An occupancy counting software can be written in the OTP ROM of themicrocontroller to count the frequencies of incomings and outgoings. Thenumerical value of the occupancy counter represents the number of peopleremaining in the room. The occupancy counter starts with a numericalvalue of 0 when a room is unoccupied. When the motion sensor detectsechoed signal with frequency increasingly higher than the originalfrequency transmitted outward, F(e)>F(o), the microcontrolleracknowledges a person is entering the room, the microcontroller therebymanages to turn on the light and at the same time changes the numericalvalue of occupancy counter from 0 to 1.

Two conditional events need to be satisfied at the same time in orderfor the microcontroller to turn on the light; the numerical value ofoccupancy counter needs to be at zero (first condition) at the timepoint when a motion signal is detected (second condition). In fact, inorder for the microcontroller to turn on the light at time when thenumerical value of occupancy is zero, any motion signal can trigger thelight to turn on; it does not have to be an incoming signal. When asecond person enters the room, the microcontroller adds 1 to thenumerical value of occupancy counter to record a new numerical value oftwo indicating two persons staying in the room and the light continuesto stay on.

For each additional person entering the room the microcontrolleraccordingly adds 1 to the numerical value of occupancy counter andupdates the numerical value of occupancy counter to record the totalnumbers of people staying in the room. When a person leaves the room themotion sensor detects an echoed signal with decreasingly lower frequencythan the transmitted frequency, F(e)<F(o) and with a long signalduration of T>T(0), where T(0) is the preset minimum time lengthrequired to pass the entryway. The microcontroller acknowledges a personhas left the room (Doppler Effect) and accordingly manages to deduct 1from the numerical value of occupancy counter.

For each additional person leaving the room the microcontroller withprogram codes manages to deduct 1 from the numerical value of occupancycounter and update the numerical value of occupancy counter accordingly.At a time when a departure signal has been detected and themicrocontroller after updating the numerical value of occupancy counterfinds the numerical value of occupancy counter becomes zero, whichindicates the last person has left and the room is in an unoccupiedstatus, the microcontroller accordingly manages to turn off the light.

When the numerical value of the occupancy counter is at zero (roomunoccupied), any motion signal can trigger the microcontroller to turnon the light. The motion signal can be from motion by person moving backand forth inside the room with shorter signal duration or by personmoving into the room with longer signal duration. When the numericalvalue of the occupancy counter is other than zero (room occupied), themicrocontroller only processes echoed signals with duration longer thanthe pre-determined time length T(0) (for instance 3 seconds) whichrepresents the minimum time required to walk through the extendeddetection zone (Area B) for entering or leaving the room. The signaldurations T of random motions inside the non-extended zone (Area A) arealways shorter than the pre-determined time length T(0) and thefrequency variation is not consistent. Such random motion signals withduration T shorter than the pre-determined time length T(0) thereforeare ignored by the microcontroller.

The concept and technique of occupancy detection method can be enhancedto a home automation system where more exit doors are built in a house;in such case a central occupancy counter is required to receive signalsof entry and departure from more than one motion sensor located indifferent exit ways. The motion sensors in such application will beequipped with communication capacity to transmit incoming and outgoingmotion signals for consolidation at the central occupancy counter, whichcould be a useful device for home automation management.

FIG. 9A is a schematic diagram of illumination apparatus with microwavemotion sensor for indoor as detection zone according to anotherembodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9B according to the embodimentof FIG. 9A is an operating diagram of illumination apparatus withmicrowave motion sensor for indoor as detection zone. Please refer toFIGS. 9A and 9B.

FIG. 9A schematically illustrates the microwave confining unit 104, suchas a metallic quadrangular body shaped with four pre-punched windowgates 1048 a facing different horizontal direction. Each pre-punchedwindow gate 1048 a could be pulled outward to form a window opening OPato allow the microwave signal to pass through and extend its detectioncapacity along an opening direction of the window opening OP. FIG. 9Bschematically illustrates the consequent pattern of the detection zoneZ9 according to the embodiment of FIG. 9A.

In detail, FIG. 9A schematically illustrates two opposite pre-punchedwindow gates 1048 a which are pulled outward to form two window openingsOPa in two opposite directions to allow the microwave signals to extendits detection capacity along the motion path in a hallway application.In the other embodiment, there are three window gates 1048 a are pulledoutward to form a three direction space for the microwave signal toextend its detection capacity along the three opening directions. Auseful application of such embodiment will be for outdoor ceiling lightto detect motion intrusion approaching the house from three directionswhile the motion inside the house will not trigger the outdoor ceilinglight to turn on.

The difference between FIGS. 8A and 9A is just the shapes of microwaveconfining unit 104 and 104 a. Thus, the scope of detection zone Z8 forFIG. 8A is approximately elliptical range. The scope of the detectionzone Z9 for FIG. 9A is approximately rectangular range. FIG. 9A is idealfor detection work in a hallway space with extension need of specificdirection for microwave detection. In the other words, there is no deadcorner in FIG. 9B. The scope of the detection zone Z9 for hallway spaceis better than the scope of the detection zone Z8 for hallway space.

FIG. 10A is a schematic diagram of illumination apparatus with microwavemotion sensor for hallway as detection zone according to anotherembodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10B according to theembodiment of FIG. 10A is an operating diagram of microwave confiningunit. FIG. 10C according to the embodiment of FIGS. 10A and 10B is anoperating diagram of illumination apparatus with microwave motion sensorfor hallway as detection zone. Please refer to FIGS. 10A, 10B and 10C.

FIG. 10A schematically illustrates a non-metallic taper cylinderlaminated with metallic foil 1052 such that the microwave signals arebanned from passing through such metallic foil 1052. The metallic foil1052 has a precut pattern of lattice design or any shape of window gatedesign, which can be partially ripped off to create window opening(s)OP2 for the microwave signals to pass through. In more detail, themicrowave confining unit 104 is a non-metallic construction 1050laminated with metallic foil 1052, for instance a cup of acrylicmaterial laminated with metallic foil 1052.

This embodiment uses a reverse technique to produce the same effect asthe microwave confining unit 104 with adjustable gate(s). FIG. 10Bschematically illustrate the consequent patterns of detection zone withdifferent number of metallic lattices being ripped off, which has thesame effect of angle degree opened in FIG. 7A, 8A or 9A.

As can be known similarly, the user could also use stickers of metallicfoil sheet provided by the manufacturer to cover a portion of thesurface of the non-metallic cup as shown in FIG. 10B. The microwavesensing unit 102 is not able to detect motion along the direction spaceof the metallic foil 1052 that they do not need the microwave sensingunit 102 to perform detecting function. The advantage of such work is itcan be done inside the illumination apparatus 1 and the externalappearance is not affected.

FIG. 11A is a schematic diagram of illumination apparatus with microwavemotion sensor for a wall area as detection zone according to anotherembodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11B is a side view of FIG.11A. FIG. 11C according to the embodiment of FIG. 11A is an operatingdiagram of illumination apparatus with microwave motion sensor. Pleaserefer to FIGS. 11A, 11B and 11C. For explanation convenience, theillumination apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is applied to a walllantern, and more particularly to a security light. The microwaveconfining unit 104 comprises a plurality of metallic reflectors 1054,1056 and 1058 such as three gates construction.

FIGS. 11A and 11B schematically illustrates the microwave sensing unit102 installed inside the plastic housing 701 of the wall lantern.

The microwave sensing unit 102 is positioned inside the microwaveconfining unit 104 composed of three gates construction which comprisesone top control gate, one left control gate and one right control gate.The opening angle of the top control gate is for confining the verticalspan of the microwave detection zone Z11. The opening angles of the twoside control gates individually or jointly confine the horizontal spanof the detection zone Z11. FIG. 11C illustrates the pattern of detectionzone Z11 with one assortment of angles opened with respect to the threecontrol gates. The one skilled in the art according to the actual needsmay freely design the quantity of control gates or the opening angles ofanyone of three gates construction.

FIG. 12A is a schematic diagram of illumination apparatus with microwavemotion sensor according to another embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 12B according to the embodiment of FIG. 12A is an operating diagramof illumination apparatus with microwave motion sensor. Please refer toFIGS. 12A and 12B. For explanation convenience, the illuminationapparatus 1 of the present embodiment is applied to a wall lantern andthe microwave confining unit 104 is a cone shaped metal cup.

For example, the microwave sensing unit 102 is positioned inside thecone shaped metal cup which in turn is installed inside a plastichousing 702 of the outdoor wall lantern. The cone shaped metal cup isdesigned with a swivel structure to allow angle adjustment so that thedetection angle of the microwave sensing unit 102 is manageable.

When the cone shaped metal cup rotates downward, the microwave sensingunit 102 follows rotation of the cone shaped metal cup. Thus, thedetection zone Z12 of the microwave sensing unit 102 will be adjusted tothe area in front of the user of FIG. 12B. When the cone shaped metalcup rotates upward, the microwave sensing unit 102 follows rotation ofthe cone shaped metal cup. Thus, the detection zone Z12 of the microwavesensing unit 102 will be adjusted to the area behind the user of FIG.12B. The implementation of the microwave confining unit 104 and themicrowave sensing unit 102 is not limited in the present embodiment.

FIG. 13A is a schematic diagram of illumination apparatus with microwavemotion sensor according to another embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 13B is a side view of FIG. 13A. FIG. 13C according to theembodiment of FIG. 13A is an operating diagram of illumination apparatuswith microwave motion sensor. Please refer to FIGS. 13A, 13B and 13C.FIGS. 13A and 13B schematically illustrates the illumination apparatus 1with a microwave sensing unit 102 built inside a metallic housing 703which has a non-metallic window slot covered with a plastic cap 705.

For example, the illumination apparatus 1 of the present embodiment isapplied to a wall lantern. The microwave sensing unit 102 is directlyinstalled inside the metallic housing 703 of the wall lantern.Therefore, the microwave confining unit 104 of the present embodiment isthe metallic housing 703 which has the non-metallic window slot coveredwith a plastic cap 705. The metallic housing 703 of the wall lantern isdesigned with the window slot covered with the plastic cap 705 so thatthe microwave sensing unit 102 sitting behind the window slot couldperform motion detection or intrusion detection through the window slot.

The horizontal angle span and the height of the window slot determinethe scope of detection zone Z13 of the microwave sensing unit 102. Thedistance between the window slot and the microwave sensing unit 102 alsoaffects the dimension of the detection zone Z13. Additionally thevertical position of the microwave sensing unit 102 relative to thewindow slot can determine the vertical angle of the detection zone Z13.The implementation of the microwave confining unit 104 and the microwavesensing unit 102 is not limited in the present embodiment, and the oneskilled in the art may freely design it according to the actual needs.

FIG. 14A is a schematic diagram of microwave motion sensor according toanother embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14B is anotherschematic diagram of microwave motion sensor according to the embodimentof FIG. 14A. FIG. 14C is another schematic diagram of microwave motionsensor according to the embodiment of FIG. 14A. Please refer to FIGS.14A, 14B and 14C.

As shown as FIG. 14A, the microwave motion sensor is structurallyseparated from the illumination apparatus or the home appliances. Themicrowave motion sensor according to the Doppler Effect can be used todevelop an occupancy detector for home automation to manage the on/offperformance of illumination apparatus, home appliances such as airconditioners, ceiling fans, audio/video instruments, and home securitysystem. When an object is approaching the microwave motion sensor.

As shown as FIG. 14A, the foldable window gate construction of themicrowave confining unit 104 is the first embodiment for the design ofan occupancy detector; When one of the foldable window gates 1048 of themicrowave confining unit 104 is pushed outward to create an extendeddetection zone along the direction of entry door path. It can be used todetect the incoming and outgoing frequency passing through the entrywayarea of a room and thereby to calculate the number of people staying ina room at any time.

The art as shown in FIGS. 14A, 14B and 14C illustrates the microwavemotion sensor as an occupancy detector. In the other embodiment,occupancy detector is integrated with an illumination module. In fact,the occupancy detector can be by its self-coupled with a wirelesscommunication capacity to control remote load(s) using the numericalvalue as a controlling parameter. The art of FIG. 14A with or withoutlight is for installation in the center of a living space. If theoccupancy detector with or without light is for installation near by theexit door, the shape of the microwave confining unit 104 needs to bedesigned to detect only the outward space facing exit door such that themotion activities inside the living space are insulated from detection.This can be done by making the back portion of the microwave confiningunit 104 vertically straight and extended so that the microwave signalcan't pass through to detect the motion activities in the living spacebehind the occupancy detector. Alternatively, the microwave confiningunit 104 can be installed with a swivel kit to make the microwaveconfining unit 104 angle adjustable as shown in FIG. 4B, wherein themicrowave confining unit 104 is angled outward such that only incomingmotion or outgoing motion is detected.

If instead the microwave confining unit 104 is a metallic cone shapewith a swivel structure to allow angle adjustment to confine thedetection zone of the microwave sensing unit 102 to only the entrywaymotion path as shown in FIG. 14C, the probability of wrong signaljudgment can be meaningfully avoided.

FIG. 15A is another schematic diagram of a LED light bulb 3 withmicrowave motion sensor. As shown in FIG. 15A which schematicallyillustrates another embodiment of the present invention; the microwavemotion sensor of the present invention is integrated with a LEDillumination module to become a LED light bulb 3 with a motion sensingcapacity. The dotted pattern represents the microwave detection zoneconfined by a microwave confining unit 104, the spreading effect of themicrowave sensor is now under a good control.

The illumination apparatus further comprises a base 17, a non-metallicheat dissipation structure 18 and a light diffuser 16, wherein theillumination apparatus is a LED light bulb 3 with a built-in microwavemotion sensor. The non-metallic heat dissipation structure 18, forinstance, out of ceramic, graphite, or composite material, is forconducting or reducing the thermal temperature of the illuminationmodule 12. The base 17 is connected to the light diffuser 16 and thenon-metallic heat dissipation structure 18. The base 17 with screwthread is coupled to the lamp holder. The illumination module 12 isdisposed on the non-metallic heat dissipation structure 18 thatinstalled behind the light diffuser 16. The non-metallic heatdissipation structure 18 has a cave 180 for accommodating the microwaveconfining unit 104 and the microwave sensing unit 102.

In another embodiment, the LED light bulb 3 without the microwaveconfining unit 104 of FIG. 15A has the metallic heat dissipationstructure. As shown in FIG. 15B, the metallic heat dissipation structure18 has both functions of heat dissipation and microwave confining. Inthe other word, the metallic heat dissipation structure 18 can be usedas a microwave confining unit to accommodate the microwave sensing unit102. The illumination module 12 is disposed on the metallic heatdissipation structure 18. Further, window opening(s) can be constructedon the side wall of the heat dissipation structure 18 to rendermicrowave signal passing through to extend the microwave detection alongthe direction of window opening(s).

In summary, the present invention provides a microwave motion sensor.The microwave motion sensor manages the motion path of the microwavesignal based on the use of the microwave confining unit. The microwaveconfining unit is for adjusting the scope of the detection zone. Inaddition, an adjustable means can be added and integrated with themicrowave sensing unit such that the microwave sensing unit or themicrowave confining unit can be pushed up or pulled down in theaccommodating space of the microwave confining unit to park at a desiredposition for determining the scope of the microwave detection zone. Thescope of the detection zone of the microwave signal may vary based onthe disposed position of the microwave sensing unit and the constructionof the microwave confining unit, and the construction of the microwaveconfining unit may vary based on the predetermined space. Accordingly,the microwave motion sensor with microwave confining design or theillumination apparatus incorporating with the microwave motion sensor ofthe present invention exhibits enhanced convenience.

The above-mentioned descriptions represent merely the exemplaryembodiment of the present disclosure, without any intention to limit thescope of the present disclosure thereto. Various equivalent changes,alterations or modifications based on the claims of present disclosureare all consequently viewed as being embraced by the scope of thepresent disclosure.

Different from the conventional PIR (passive infrared ray) motionsensors using an infrared ray detector to detect movement of infraredray/heat generating object such as human being the microwave motionsensors and the ultrasonic motion sensors use a different approach todetect motion of a moving object which does not have to be an infraredray generating object. The different approach is a technology involvinguse of wave characteristics and the Doppler Effect to design a softwareto identify a motion intrusion in a living space; whenever atransmitting wave hits an object, a portion of the wave power isreflected back and received by the wave generating source, so called“echoed signal”, wherein if the object reflecting the transmitting waveis a non-moving object relative to the wave generating source thefrequency of the echoed signal will remain unchanged, wherein if theobject is approaching the wave generating source, the frequency of theechoed signal received and measured by the wave generating source willbecome higher than the original frequency generated by the wavegenerating source, wherein if the object is leaving the wave generatingsource, the frequency of the echoed signal received and measured by thewave generating source will become lower than the original frequencygenerated by the wave generating source. Such phenomenon is so called“the Doppler Effect” which is popularly used for detecting a moving bodyin a detection zone. Such feature of frequency variation by the DopplerEffect is the technical foundation for constructing both a microwavemotion sensor and an ultrasonic motion sensor. Between the microwavemotion sensor and the ultrasonic motion sensor the application of theDoppler Effect for designing any software algorithm for performinglighting control has no functional differences, whatever softwarealgorithm involving application of the Doppler Effect designed foroperating the microwave motion sensor is equally applicable to theultrasonic motion sensor. With this being said the software algorithmdisclosed in the original main text from section [00122] thru section[00135] is also workable for the ultrasonic motion sensor and we cansimply replace the words “microwave motion sensor” with “ultrasonicmotion sensor” or even use the words “motion sensors” as a common phraserepresenting either a microwave motion sensor or the ultrasonic motionsensor.

Microwaves are a form of electromagnetic radiation which does not relyon any medium for power transmission while ultrasonic waves on the otherhand require a medium for power transmission. The microwave canpropagate in a vacuum space but the ultrasonic wave can not transmit inthe same vacuum space. The ultrasonic wave can transmit in a singlemedium of solid, liquid or air but it can not pass thru a junctionbetween two different transmission media such as air and concrete wall.Such feature actually makes the ultrasonic wave a better technology toreplace the microwave for operating occupancy detection to controlon/off performance of a lighting apparatus. The wall penetrationcapacity of the microwave is a great feature enabling the operation ofwireless communication such as the mobile phone otherwise all wirelesscommunication applications can not survive. The application of microwavemotion detection in lighting control is only a negligible part ofoverall business interest. In the first application of the presentinvention efforts were made to deal directly with the wall penetrationproblem of the microwave by introducing a confining shade to define amanageable detection zone. In the second continuation application of thepresent invention an option of using a higher frequency over 20 GHz wasprovided as a solution to substantially minimize the wall penetrationeffect for operating an occupancy counting software program forcontrolling the on/off performance of a lighting apparatus or anelectrical appliance. In the present continuation in part applicationthe ultrasonic motion sensor is enrolled in the picture as a betteroption for operating the occupancy counting software program forcontrolling the on/off performance of a lighting apparatus or anelectrical appliance. The critical technology of using the DopplerEffect to judge between an incoming signal and an outgoing signaltogether with a software of occupancy counting algorithm to control theon/off performance of a lighting apparatus or electrical applianceremain unchanged with no new matter introduced. In the previous secondapplication of the invention the title of invention was changed by theOffice to “Microwave motion sensing technology and its applicationthereof” to more meaningfully match with the content of the invention.In the present application the title of invention is further changed to“Occupancy based lighting control technology and its applicationthereof” which shall more adequately represent the content of thepresent invention as microwave in fact is only an option and theultrasonic motion sensor can even perform better than the microwavemotion sensor.

The technology using Doppler Effect to differentiate between an incomingmotion signal and an outgoing signal in a living space and to operatethe occupancy counting software program for controlling on/offperformance of a lighting load or an electrical appliance can be equallyapplied to both a microwave motion sensor and an ultrasonic motionsensor. The microwave is an electromagnetic wave with much higherpenetration effect into space than that of the ultrasonic wave. Suchdifference of transmission feature makes the ultrasonic wave much moresuitable means for operating motion sensing function without the hassleof having to deal with a wall penetration problem like microwave. Infact when used for motion sensing the ultrasonic wave has at least twoadvantages over the microwave; first the ultrasonic motion sensor can beoperated at very low frequencies with much lower production andoperating cost, typically between 30 kHz to 50 kHz only while themicrowave is required to operate with a frequency higher than 20 GHz inorder to mitigate the wall penetration problem, second there is no wallpenetration problem to overcome so the detection is automaticallyconfined in a detection zone formed by a living space.

What is claimed is:
 1. An occupancy detecting method for controlling aturned on state or a turned off state of an electrical apparatus in aliving space comprising: using a motion sensor including a transmitterfor transmitting a wave signal, a receiver for receiving an echoedsignal of the wave signal reflected from a moving human body in adetection zone, and a sensing circuitry for detecting a human motion;using a controller circuitry to analyze a time duration and a frequencypattern of the echoed signal generated by the human motion in the livingspace; wherein if the time duration of the echoed signal is shorter thana preset minimum time length, the echoed signal is considered as a localrandom motion signal; wherein if the time duration of the echoed signalis longer than the preset minimum time length and the frequency patternof the echoed signal is higher than the frequency pattern of the wavesignal transmitted, the echoed signal is judged as an incoming motionsignal; wherein if the time duration of the echoed signal is longer thanthe preset minimum time length and the frequency pattern of the echoedsignal is lower than the frequency pattern of the wave signaltransmitted, the echoed signal is judged as an outgoing motion signal;using an occupancy counting software program to record the incomingmotion signal and the outgoing motion signal and to operate an algorithmof arithmetic calculation with respect to the human motions detected inthe living space for establishing or updating a numerical value accountto register occupant number; wherein if the echoed signal is judged asthe outgoing motion signal, the numerical value account is deducted by1; wherein if the echoed signal is judged as the incoming motion signal,the numerical value account is added by 1; wherein if the echoed signalis judged as the local random motion signal, the numerical value accountremains unchanged; wherein a balance value or an updated numerical valueof the numerical value account represents the number of occupantsremaining in the living space; using the numerical value accountfollowing an update by a new human motion detected as a decision makingparameter to activate the controller circuitry for controlling theturned on state and the turned off state of the electrical apparatus;wherein whenever an echoed signal is detected by the receiver at a timewhen the balance value of the numerical account is at zero, thecontroller circuitry manages to instantly add 1 to the balance value ofthe numerical account and simultaneously turn on the electricalapparatus; wherein whenever the balance value of the numerical valueaccount or the updated numerical value of the numerical value accountbecomes zero, the controller circuitry operates to perform a delay shutoff process to turn off the electrical apparatus after a predeterminedtime period; and wherein whenever the balance value of the numericalvalue account or the updated numerical value of the numerical valueaccount is greater than zero, the controller circuitry turns on orcontinues to turn on the electrical apparatus.
 2. The occupancydetecting method according to claim 1, wherein the occupancy countingsoftware program further includes an arrangement such that when a newhuman motion is further detected in the living space during thepredetermined time period in the delay shut off process, the numericalvalue account is immediately adjusted by adding 1 and consequently thedelay shut off process is instantly terminated with the electricalapparatus continues in the turned on state; and wherein the arrangementrepresents a false judgment correction action.
 3. The occupancydetecting method according to claim 1, wherein when the preset minimumtime length is missing or undefined, the controller circuitry operates atime delay mode to control a turned on duration of the electricalapparatus activated by the motion sensor, at the same time thecontroller circuitry activates a learning algorithm to search a minimumtime length of the outgoing motion signal; wherein when the electricalapparatus is turned off upon a maturity of the time delay and no furtherhuman motion is detected after a long period of time indicating nooccupant remaining in the living space, the time length of a lastoutgoing motion signal is recorded as the preset minimum time length forjudging the echoed signal being the incoming motion signal, the outgoingmotion signal or the local random motion signal.
 4. The occupancydetecting method according to claim 1, wherein the motion sensor is amicrowave motion sensor designed to operate at a frequency below 20 GHz,wherein a microwave confining device is required to limit a detectingcapacity of the microwave motion sensor within the living space toeliminate a wall penetration effect.
 5. The occupancy detecting methodaccording to claim 1, wherein the motion sensor is a microwave motionsensor designed to operate at a frequency equal to or higher than 20GHz, wherein a microwave confining device is not required.
 6. Theoccupancy detecting method according to claim 1, wherein the motionsensor is an ultrasonic motion sensor.
 7. The occupancy detecting methodaccording to claim 1, wherein the electrical apparatus is a lightingapparatus.
 8. The occupancy detecting method according to claim 1,wherein the electrical apparatus is a ceiling fan.
 9. The occupancydetecting method according to claim 1, wherein the electrical apparatusis an air conditioner.
 10. The occupancy detecting method according toclaim 1, wherein the electrical apparatus is a radio or a television.11. The occupancy detecting method according to claim 7, wherein thedelay shut off process is designed with a two-stage approach; whereinfor the first stage of the delay shut off process, the controllercircuitry manages to instantly reduce the illumination level of thelighting apparatus to a noticeable low level and continues thenoticeable low level for a first short time interval, wherein for thesecond stage of the delay shut off process, the controller circuitryoperates to turn off the lighting apparatus upon the maturity of thepredetermined time period.
 12. The occupancy detection method accordingto claim 11, wherein for the second stage of the delay shut off process,the controller circuitry operates to gradually turn off the lightingapparatus.
 13. The occupancy detection method according to claim 7,wherein the delay shut off process is designed to dim the lightingapparatus after the predetermined time period, wherein the controllercircuitry operates to switch the lighting apparatus from a high-levelillumination state to a low-level illumination state and to continue thelow-level illumination state until a new echoed signal is detected.